Minam River Lodge

My wife and I hiked in for a night to celebrate our anniversary. The lodge was great and in such a nice setting. The whole crew of guys that work there were very down to earth and a pleasure to hang out with. The food was absolutely amazing. It was a lot of hiking for a one-night stay, but the rate that money exited our wallets while we were there provided sufficient inspiration for our legs to haul us back out the next day. I don’t mean that in a negative way. It is a fancy place and everything comes in on a plane. Just want to point out that between lodging, meals, and drinks…it adds up fast.
8 years ago (24-09-2017)

The Minam River adventure begins accessed only by plane or hike. Three of us took off in a small Cessna 250 from Enterprise airport with the Wallowa's best pilot Joe Spence from Spence Air. We took a spectacular flight into the newly renovated Minam River Lodge. Greeted upon arrival the staff graciously transported our bags up the hill while we took a relaxing walk passing by the organic garden, newly rebuilt barn, large horse pasture and up to the handmade cabins along the hillside centered by an absolutely beautiful new main lodge. We were greeted by the friendly staff and checked in with fresh cookies. We ordered a local IPA from Terminal Gravity on tap and started out our relaxing by sitting on one of the many chairs on the lodge deck overlooking the river, grass runway, cabins and snow capped mountain range. Our bags were delivered to our cabin a short distance from the lodge. The hand built cabin has a comfortable queen bed, Adirondack chairs on the covered porch and luxurious rock showers. Cabins are furnished with hand built beds and credenzas completed with small wood burning stoves. Meals are at designated times and served family style in the lodge overlooking the entire property. We enjoyed meals prepared with handmade bread, house smoked meat, garden vegetables, an impressive wine list, local beers on tap and handmade cocktails by request. The lodge staff served us, but also joined us for dinner and added to our experience with their stories and genuine love for the place. We finished off the night with a cocktail in hand, listening to music and watching the million stars outside on the lodge deck. The next morning we enjoyed a great breakfast and a hike to Reds Horse Ranch. The whole experience is truly one of a kind. The lodge has been under construction for the last 6 years and while they still have projects throughout the property they have truly created a rustic, but luxurious place to sit back, unwind and enjoy the view! Till next time Minam Lodge...thank you
8 years ago (20-06-2017)

No cell. No ‘net. No roads. Minam River Lodge was the perfect place to unplug. We flew in so we would be ready on Day 1 for fishing and hiking. Other (super interesting) guests rode horses or hiked in. We gathered for family-style meals in the lodge knowing that our dinner would feature produce from the Minam Lodge garden (thanks to resident gardener Nicole). Chef Carl honored that produce and the locally sourced meat with deliciousness. Vegetarian options were equally tasty. Manager Isaac made everyone feel at home and assisted with any request. Teepees, wall tents, lodge rooms and cabins offer a variety of sleeping options. Our cozy cabin featured a copper sink, rain-fall shower, handmade soap, and a comfy bed. The hand-built touches abound — furniture, ceramics, timber framing. Solar panels keep the place in power. Four rockers encourage sitting and reading from a small library of well-curated books. My husband fly-fished both the gin-clear Minam and Little Minam. He got lots of hits and a couple of rainbows. I hiked the nearby Minam River Trail, which offered plenty of spots where I could sit and contemplate my existence. The trek up to Backbone Ridge was steep but not difficult with great views. On our last night, two singers entertained us on the deck. Mountains provided the backdrop while their voices blended and lofted to the heavens. We turned in early and kept the windows open so they could serenade us to sleep. We highly recommend Minam River Lodge.
8 years ago (08-08-2017)

I have traveled into the Minam several times over the years but most recently in the fall of 2016. I was curious about the rumored changes. I was delightfully surprised! The upgraded facilities are rustic yet elegant but more importantly they are in harmony with the environment. The food was fresh, flavorful and the chef was sensitive to special,diet needs. There were large stout corrals,for my stock. But my favorite part was the evening campfire with guitar and song. Incredible experience...a memory that will always produce a smile!
9 years ago (10-02-2017)

I hiked in and was able to see this Lodge as it was going up; I had no idea it was possible to build such impressive facilities without road access. The location, staff, and food were top notch! I cannot wait to go back to see the completed project. Serene, luxurious, and breathtaking are a few words that come to mind.
8 years ago (26-05-2017)